Our Tesla Depreciation Analysis and Recommendations

Hybrid and electric cars typically don't hold their value, as electric car technology changes more quickly than iPhones apps. Tesla, however, bucks this trend in the luxury segment, and has been battling Lexus for top spot on holding its value. For the 3-year and 5-year periods, Tesla has ranked 2nd behind Lexus, but beats them out for 1st place in 7 years-very notable for an alternative fuel vehicle. While we just have long-term figures for the Model S, Tesla's success bodes well for current (no pun intended) and future Tesla models. We'll be interested to see how other Tesla models hold up once they've been in marketplace for a longer period.

The 2018, 2017 & 2016 Tesla model years are currently the best values in our opinion.

On average, expect to pay only 63% of the original cost with 83% of the vehicle's lifetime remaining for a 2018 Tesla. That gives it a Net Used Value® score of 20.18 which factors in annual maintenance costs, price decline, reliable years left and available inventory.

Also consider the 2017 & 2016 model years. Those currently have a generally low risk of any significant depreciation over the next several years.

Already Own a 2018 Tesla?

While we would advise holding onto this vehicle for a few years, that's not always the plan. Dealers have access to similar figures so they know that your vehicle has a low risk of depreciation.